Jehoshaphat Reigns in Judah
1Asa’s son Jehoshaphat reigned in his place, and he strengthened himself against Israel. 2He stationed troops in every fortified city of Judah and put garrisons in the land of Judah and in the cities of Ephraim that his father Asa had captured.
For the first time, the Chronicler compares Judah's...
For the first time, the Chronicler compares Judah's practices with those of northern Israel. He shows awareness that the Baal cult from Tyre had been introduced into northern worship (see 1 Kings 16:31–32).
3Now the LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he walked in the earlier ways† of his father David. He did not seek the Baals, 4but he sought the God of his father and walked by His commandments rather than the practices of Israel.
The word translated as "gifts" is often translated...
The word translated as "gifts" is often translated as "tribute," like what conquering kings demanded from their subjects (for example, Judges 3:15–18). However, forced tribute is not the intended meaning here. The people of Judah willingly made Jehoshaphat very wealthy. Like Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:16) and Hezekiah (32:25), wealth often leads to pride. However, Jehoshaphat was deeply committed to following the Lord's ways. He did not take pride in his own achievements; instead, his courage led him to remove idol worship from the kingdom. Jehoshaphat established control within his kingdom by practicing righteousness and faithfulness to God.
5So the LORD established the kingdom in his hand, and all Judah brought him tribute, so that he had an abundance of riches and honor. 6And his heart took delight† in the ways of the LORD; furthermore, he removed the high places and Asherah poles from Judah.
Jehoshaphat fulfilled the Lord's command to teach the...
Jehoshaphat fulfilled the Lord's command to teach the law (Deuteronomy 5:1; 17:18–20). He appointed five royal officers, nine Levites, and two priests to teach the people the book of the covenant. Levites often served as teachers during the Second temple period as well (Nehemiah 8:7).
Some versions leave out Tob-adonijah; this seems to be a scribal error of repetition.
Jehoshaphat fulfilled the Lord's command to teach the law (Deuteronomy 5:1; 17:18–20). He appointed five royal officers, nine Levites, and two priests to teach the people the book of the covenant. Levites often served as teachers during the Second temple period as well (Nehemiah 8:7).
Some versions leave out Tob-adonijah; this seems to be a scribal error of repetition.
7In the third year of his reign, Jehoshaphat sent his officials Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah to teach in the cities of Judah, 8accompanied by certain Levites—Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tob-adonijah—along with the priests Elishama and Jehoram. 9They taught throughout Judah, taking with them the Book of the Law of the LORD. They went throughout the towns of Judah and taught the people.
The surrounding kingdoms feared the Lord, so they...
The surrounding kingdoms feared the Lord, so they paid tribute to Jehoshaphat to buy peace. Peace often shows divine favor (see 2 Chronicles 14:2–6).
The Arabs were likely desert tribes living south of Judah, near the Philistines.
The surrounding kingdoms feared the Lord, so they paid tribute to Jehoshaphat to buy peace. Peace often shows divine favor (see 2 Chronicles 14:2–6).
The Arabs were likely desert tribes living south of Judah, near the Philistines.
10And the dread of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that surrounded Judah, so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat. 11Some Philistines also brought gifts and silver as tribute to Jehoshaphat, and the Arabs brought him 7,700 rams and 7,700 goats from their flocks.
Jehoshaphat was known for his international influence, construction...
Jehoshaphat was known for his international influence, construction projects, and strong army. Archaeologists have found highway forts in the Jordan Valley near the Dead Sea from his era. The reported number of troops in his army—over a million in Jerusalem—seems too high. Since leaders were organized by tribes (2 Chronicles 17:14), "thousand" (’elep) might mean "squad" or "platoon," which are smaller units. The totals might also include reserve divisions that rotated service (see 1 Chronicles 27:1–15). Jehoshaphat's troop numbers are about three times those of:
Abijah (2 Chronicles 13:3)
Asa (2 Chronicles 14:8)
Amaziah (2 Chronicles 25:5)
Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:11–15)
They are similar to the number of warriors during David’s census (1 Chronicles 21:5), when soldiers from the northern tribes were included. A large army showed God's blessing.
Abijah (2 Chronicles 13:3)
Asa (2 Chronicles 14:8)
Amaziah (2 Chronicles 25:5)
Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:11–15)
12Jehoshaphat grew stronger and stronger, and he built fortresses and store cities in Judah 13and kept vast supplies in the cities of Judah. He also had warriors in Jerusalem who were mighty men of valor. 14These are their numbers according to the houses of their fathers:
From Judah, the commanders of thousands:
Adnah the commander, and with him 300,000 mighty men of valor;
15next to him, Jehohanan the commander, and with him 280,000;
16and next to him, Amasiah son of Zichri, the volunteer for the LORD, and with him 200,000 mighty men of valor.
17From Benjamin:
Eliada, a mighty man of valor, and with him 200,000 armed with bows and shields;
18and next to him, Jehozabad, and with him 180,000 armed for battle.
19These were the men who served the king, besides those he stationed in the fortified cities throughout Judah.